1. sports
2. walking

SevernSide Ramblers
February, March, April, and
May 2015
From the Chair
A Happy New Year to you all! Here is a great selection of walks. Some familiar, some very different. Thank you to
all the inspired walk leaders.
Look out for the Wessex Wanderer Walks led by Ann. More details can be found on www.wessexrailwaywalks.org.uk.
Our Quiz Night is on Saturday 7 February. See below for information about this very popular event, and don't
forget to book.
On the same day, if you are at the old chocolate factory in Keynsham at 9.30am there is a very interesting walk
followed by a free lunch and then the AGM of the Avon Area Ramblers. Avon Area Council is a link between local
groups like Severnside and the Ramblers Headquarters. At the AGM there will be news and discussion about some
very important changes that the Ramblers Association is considering. Not all its ideas are welcome.
Our AGM was held in November. I was pleased to see that many committee members were able to serve for
another year, and we are pleased to welcome Gloria Drury to the team. We are sorry to lose Ann Light and Mike
Norman. Their expertise will be missed and we thank them for their help in the past. The names of the new
committee are shown in the box below.
Mike Norman and Ken Mill are representing Severnside Ramblers Group in two exciting local projects. One is called
The Forgotten Landscape, has Heritage Lottery funding, and aims to preserve the environment and history of the
coastal floodplain between Avonmouth and the boundary with Gloucestershire. The other project is the route from
Aust to Avonmouth which will be part of the coastal path from Aust to Brean. Please ask us if you want to learn
more about these schemes.
Heather Rickards - Chairman
Quiz Night at Filton Golf Club
Saturday 7 February 2015 7pm
Group Committee 2015
Chairman: Heather Rickards
01454 632134
Treasurer: Peter Randall
07860 167899
Secretary/Membership:
Chris Everett
01454 416321
Web Editor: Ken Mill
01179 315108
Footpath Officer: Allan Davies
01454 884145
Publicity: Sue Driver
Walks Programme: Joy Harrison 01179 334998
Social: Gill King
01454 631500
General Committee Members:
Chris Gaymer
01179 513319
Jean Williams
01179 761445
Gloria Drury
07914 303469
£8 includes food. Choice of:
?
 Ham, egg and chips
 Lasagne, salad & garlic bread
 Vegetarian bake.
Send cheque made out to ‘Severnside RA Social Fund’ with
menu choice to Gill King, 42 Riverside Park, Severn Beach
BS35 4PN. Gill needs these before 31 January please.
Map Reading and Navigation Training
Saturday 14 February 2015
Meet at Aztec West car park @ 08.30
Do you need help reading a map or reading a compass?
If yes, come & join us on Saturday 14 February to practice
map reading & navigation around Siston Common area.
Maps (E155) provided but bring a compass if you have one.
Contact Janet on 01179650661 to book a place.
Limited to Severnside members only.
£5 to club funds.
Help us save money - sign up for electronic mailing. You can still pick up a yellow paper
copy of the programme on any walk. Details on www.severnside-ramblers.org.uk
1
Walks and Social Events Programme
BEFORE COMING ON A WALK PLEASE READ THE IMPORTANT NOTES ON PAGE 2
See back page for grading of walk definitions
Notes:
Please ensure you are well equipped with suitable footwear & waterproof clothing: contact the leader well before the walk if
you have any doubts. We assume that walkers are aware the countryside can be muddy after rain so we do not put this on the
programme. You should assume there is no pub or café stop if none is mentioned, so please bring food & drink, but never
consume these on pub or café premises. All walkers should carry their own first aid kit & this is especially important for
leaders.
All walk leaders must be members & over the age of 18. Leaders are required to carry with them a copy of the Accident
Form (obtainable from the Severnside web-site or contact the Secretary) & a mobile phone for emergencies.
No leader can be responsible for anyone who proceeds ahead without directions. Registered assistance dogs are welcome, but
other dog owners should confirm with the walk leader whether it is appropriate to bring them - the decision is entirely at the
discretion of the leader and will be based on their observations of terrain & farm livestock during pre walks – if permitted,
dogs should be kept on their leads at all times.
Some members like to take photographs on the walks. These often appear on our website. Please advise the leader should you
not wish to appear in a photograph.
Non-members are welcome but after three walks will be expected to join the Ramblers.
Date /
Walk Grade
Venue
Sun 1 Feb
M
Tintern. Fairly hilly walk but with nice views.
Fri 6 Feb
L
Old Sodbury – Tormarton. Almost ‘there and back’
walk through lovely Dodington Park to visit village of
Tormarton. Steady incline but only a couple of stiles.
Opt pub at end.
Sat 7 Feb
Keynsham. Local walk in the area of the Frys Club
with historical talk.
Sat 7 Feb
Avon Area AGM at Frys club, Keynsham. Guest
speaker on new Governanance Rules
Sat 7 Feb
Quiz Night at Filton Golf Club. See page 1
19.00
Sun 8 Feb
L
14 Locks – Newport. Lightly undulating field paths
& canal tow paths & one opt. climb to viewpoint near
end. Interesting industrial archaeology.
9.00
AW
Sat 14 Feb
Map Reading and Navigation (pre-booking required.
See page 1)
Sun 15 Feb
M
Mendips. Farm & forestry tracks, drove roads &
moorland. Few moderate climbs.
8.30
AW
13
miles
E141
48 miles
(£4.80)
Janet & Mike
01179 650661
Fri 20 Feb
L
Sun 22 Feb
L
Old Down. Lovely little walk in this pretty area.
9.30
Aldi
11.00
AW
2 hrs
E167
5 miles
E155
11 miles
(£1.10)
41 miles
(£4.10)
Doreen & Ros
01454 317188
Jenny & John
01454 777963
Beechen Cliff into Bath.Pretty stroll taking in
wonderful views of Bath. One field, parkland, lanes,
river & Canal paths. Surprisingly easy climb back.
Depart
time /
place
9.00
AW
Walk
Length
/Time
8 miles
OL14
9.30
Aldi
2 hrs
E155
9.30
Venue
6 miles
E155
Map
Distance /
Suggested
Donation
30 miles
(£3 + Toll)
Leader or
Contact
Gordon
01454 616344
20 miles
(£2)
Jenny & John
01454 777963
Jill
01454 631036
Buffet at 12.30 for attendees for meeting at 1.00pm
Gill
9 miles
08.30
AW
E152
55 miles
(£5.50 +
Toll)
E155
Andy & Chris
01454 416321
Janet
01179 650661
Sun 1 Mar
M
Cotswolds. Farm tracks, field paths & some minor
roads to the ‘Slaughters’. Few moderate climbs.
8.30
AW
15
miles
OL14
100 miles
(£10)
Janet & Mike
01179 650661
Fri 6 Mar
L
Failand. Woodlands, fields, a golf course & private
school sports ground. Some gentle climbs.
9.30
Aldi
2 hrs
E154
20 miles
(£2)
Andy & Chris
01454 416321
Sun 8 Mar
L
Bedminster Down. Malago river, Bedminster Down,
Ashton Vale and River Avon.
10.00
AW
7
miles
E155
21 miles
(£2.10)
Joy
01179 334998
Sun 15 Mar
M
Fri 20 Mar
L
Shudington. Fairly hilly Cotswold countryside but
with fine views over Severn Valley.
Swineford. Lovely views Visiting Upton Cheyney and
North Stoke.
9.00
AW
9.30
Aldi
10
miles
2hrs
E179
64 miles
(£6.40)
24 miles
(£2.40)
Bob
07967 891837
Jenny
01179 247102
Sun 22 Mar
M
Chepstow – Brockweir. Offa’s Dyke to Brockweir &
8.30
AW
13
miles
OL14
30 miles
(£3 + Toll)
Ken
01179 315108
return via Wye Valley. Some steep climbs (365 steps from
Wyncliffe). Good views across Wye & Severn Estuary.
Continued on next page
E155
Walks and Social Events Programme
BEFORE COMING ON A WALK PLEASE READ THE IMPORTANT NOTES ON PAGE 2
See back page for grading of walk definitions
Date /
Walk Grade
Sun 29 Mar
M
Venue
Bradford on Avon, Westwood & Avoncliff.
Canal/river towpaths, farmland paths, scenic views &
variety. 1 steep up and 1 steep down.
Depart
time /
place
Walk
Length
/Time
9.00
AW
7
miles
Map
E156
Distance /
Suggested
Donation
Leader or
Contact
54 miles
(£5.40)
Jill
07868 727971
NB Clocks have gone forward
Mon 30 Mar –
Fri 3 Apr
Fri 3 Apr
L
Sun 5 Apr
M
Sun 12 Apr
M
Fri 17 Apr
L
Sun 19 Apr
M
Sun 26 Apr
L
Fri 1 May
L
Sun 3 May
M
Isle of Wight HF break.
9.30
Aldi
2.5 hrs
E167
12 miles
(£1.20)
Heather
01454 631134
Jean
01454 419274
Wotton, Tresham & Ozleworth. Lovely scenic walk
featured in Bristol Evening Post. Hills, valleys &
woodland. 2-3 steep climbs.
Bruton/Alfreds Tower. Bruton Dovecote, Leland
trail, Alfreds Tower (NT cards) and return via South
Brewham.
9.00
AW
8
miles
E167
28 miles
(£2.80)
Jill
07868 727971
8.30
AW
12
miles
E142
80 miles
(£8)
Ann
01179 798628
Tytherington/Milbury Heath. Lanes, fields & tracks
– hopefully with glimpses of seasonal flora. Some
stiles.
Cam & Dursley. Across fields & tracks to Peaked
Down, Uley Bury and Coaley Peak.
9.30
Aldi
2 hrs
E167
14 miles
(£1.40)
Jean
01179 761445
8.30
AW
11
miles
E167
50 miles
(£5)
Ken
01179 315108
Bradley Stoke Bluebells. A rejig of the AGM walk
10.00
AW
9.30
Aldi
5
miles
2hrs
E155
n/a
E167
26 miles
(£2.60)
Joy
01179 334998
Andy & Chris
01454 416321
9.00
AW
11
miles
OL14
30 miles
(£3 + Toll)
Andy
01454 411305
Iron Acton. Fields, meadows, river paths on part of
Frome Valley Walkway. Several stiles. Opt drink at end.
Berkeley Deer Park. Beautiful ridge walk with
superb views east & west. One easy climb. Look for
deer. Could be muddy in places if wet.
Beacon Ash. Follow Gloucestershire Way through
narrow wooded valleys and grazing fields with views
over Severn.
Sat 9 May
WWW
Freshford Circular. Taking in Limpley Stoke, Tucking
Mill, Midford, Wellow, Norton St Philip.
8.39
BTM
15
miles
E155
n/a
Ann
01179 798628
Sun 10 May
M
May Hill. Picturesque undulating, couple of steeper
climbs taking in THAT iconic hilltop which seems to
be visible from everywhere.
9.00
AW
8
miles
OL14
70 miles
(£7.00)
Andy & Chris
01454 416321
Wed 13 May
WWW
Avoncliff. To Farleigh Hungerford Castle. Can visit
Castle with British Heritage card). Shorter walk
finishes at Freshford.
10.49
BTM
6
miles
E155
n/a
Ann
01179 798628
Fri 15 May
L
Swineford & North Stoke. Fields, river banks &
cycle path. Hilly start& then mostly flat. Some stiles.
9.30
Aldi
2hrs
E155
24 miles
(£2.40)
Jean
01179 761445
Sat 16 May
WWW
Bradford on Avon Tour – free, book with Ann by
9th May
9.49
BTM
3
miles
n/a
Ann
01179 798628
Sun 17 May
M
Devizes & Wansdyke. Across fields, tracks onto the
Wansdyke. Return via Avon & Kennet Canal.
8.30
AW
12
miles
E157
80 miles
(£8)
Ken
01179 315108
Wed 20 May
L
Thornbury/Filnore Wood. Stretch of Jubilee Way,
fields & wood. Thornbury coffee shop/pub at end.
18.30
AW
4
miles
E167
12 miles
(£1.20)
Andy & Chris
01454 416321
Sun 24 May
M
Usk Valley. Scenic walk along Usk valley to Clytha
Park & return over hills via Bettws Newydd.
9.00
AW
14
miles
E152/
OL13
60 miles
(£6 + Toll)
Don
01179 391685
Fri 29 May
Dyrham . A walk around the outside of this estate.
2hrs
E155
Sun 31 May
M
Symonds Yat. Woodland paths, river views & some
steep descents.
9.30
Aldi
9.00
AW
11
miles
OL14
28 miles
(£2.80)
60 miles
(£6 + Toll)
Doreen & Ros
01454 317188
Kathy
07890 113179
Key: AW – Aztec West Blue zone, Aldi – Aldi car park, WWW – Wessex Wanderers Railway Walks, BTM – Bristol Temple Meads
Continued on next page
Walks and Social Events Programme
BEFORE COMING ON A WALK PLEASE READ THE IMPORTANT NOTES ON PAGE 2
Meeting point for all walks. Weekend and evening walks now meet at the Blue Zone, Aztec West, BS32 4TD . Friday Ambles
continue to meet at the Aldi car park, Brook Way, Bradley Stoke, BS32 9DA. Both are served by First Bus service 73 (Please
check times). We operate a car-share policy: drivers appreciate a donation towards petrol costs - suggested amount for this
programme is 10p per mile. A suggested donation for each walk is given in the programme.
Times given are departure times from meeting point.
Please submit walks for June, July, August & September 2015 by 6 May either electronically at
www.severnside-ramblers.org.uk or phone Joy on 01179 334998.
To submit a Friday amble contact Jean on 01454 419274 or jeanaellen@talktalk.net
GRADING OF WALKS - DEFINITIONS
*Easy Access (EA): Walks for everyone, including people with conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, using easy access paths. Comfortable shoes or
trainers can be worn. Assistance may be needed to push wheelchairs on some sections: please enquire.
*Easy (E): Walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty or a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Suitable for pushchairs if they can
be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.
*Leisurely (L): Walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include un-surfaced rural paths. Walking boots and
warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.
*Moderate (M): Walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be
at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
*Strenuous (S): Walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk
pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness are advised to contact the organiser or leader in
advance.
Friday Ambles: A morning sociable stroll for about 2hrs, within easy driving distance. Lifts available from Aldi. Usually optional
pub or café stop at end.
If you book a holiday through
“Ramblers Worldwide Holidays”
please let them know that you are a
member of Severnside as both the
group and you will receive benefits.
They may not ask!
For more information see their
website at:
www.thewalkingpartnership.org.uk
Do Ramblers have your up-to-date contact details? If not, update
them at membership@ramblers.org.uk or ring 020 7339 8595
4
The Ramblers Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) & a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales
(no 4458492). Registered Office: 2 nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TW